Malfredos Poodles

                                     

EAR CARE....

 

Ears need to be kept clean and free of hair.  If you detect foul odour from the ears this means TROUBLE!!!!  The hair needs to be plucked.  Make sure your groomer cares for the ears properly.  Be sure to keep water out of the ears when bathing your pet.  If you poodle scratches its ears a lot and cries then you may have a problem.  Always check the ears for Ticks and Mites.

Ear mites are microscopic pests that take up residence in your dogs ears.  the ears become inflamed, sore, and itchy.  You may see your dog shaking his head a lot as well as the scratching.  This problem is very easy to pass from one dog to another, but is also easy to clear up with insecticide ear drops.  If unsure whether your dog has ear mites, check with your vet or groomer.  Ear mites can also be detected by swabbing the ear canal and then rubbing the swab on a piece of black paper.  the mites will appear as tiny white moving dots.  Do not panic!  You can obtain ear mite drops at most any store that carries dog suppliesor better still  your vet

 

 

TEETH ...

 

Gum disease is a problem in poodles.  All poodles are susceptible to gingivitis just like people.  The gums become ulcerated and inflamed.  This causes the gums to recede, bacterial infection, and doggy breath.  To prevent this it is important to feed your dog dry dog food, give toys for chewing (to aid in removing tarter build-up), and regular tooth brushing.    DO NOT use human tooth paste - this is not made to swallow.  Use only dog tooth paste.  You can find this at most  pet stores .  *REMEMBER* - The younger you start your puppy on a tooth brushing regime the easier it will be on both of you!

 

ANAL HYGIENE ....

 

Excessive licking or dragging of the hindquarters is a sign that your dog’s anal glands are blocked and need to be expressed.  Please make sure that your groomer empties the anal glands every grooming.  If not done the blockage can lead to infection.  Larger dogs usually can express their own anal glands and do not need to have this done.  This does not hurt your dog.  but be sure to tell your groomer if your dog has had a problem with his anal glands in the past

 

 

NAILS ...

 

Cutting the nails is very important.  If the nails are not cut, they can grow and curl around into the pads of the feet causing pain and sores.making it painful for your dog to walk.   Long toe nails can be caught in fences or in carpets etc  Please remember to tell your groomer if your dog has dew claws.  These are thumb like nails higher up on the inside of the foot.  Some poodle breeders remove these.